Hundreds of Bridgeport, Chinatown, and Armour Square residents gathered at Rate Field to voice opposition. The protest concerned plans by Amtrak and billionaire Justin Ishbia to build a large railroad maintenance facility nearby. There is also fear of a potential relocation of the White Sox from their long-standing South Side home.
Community Concerns
Ald. Nicole Lee of the 11th ward expressed community sentiments, stating residents were caught off guard by the proposal unveiled in August. She emphasized the disruption this would cause. “Our community feels disrespected,” Lee remarked at 35th Street and Shields Avenue. She noted the proposal’s approval could harm the area.
Amtrak’s $900 million plan provides land for Ishbia, a minority White Sox owner, to propose a new riverfront stadium at 14th Street. Residents would face increased pollution from Amtrak trains. Lee questioned the suitability of a 24-hour maintenance facility in a residential zone.
Amtrak did not comment on the issue. Local officials, including Cook County Commissioner John Daley, joined Lee in opposing the plan. State Rep. Theresa Mah called the opposition unequivocal. While acknowledging Amtrak’s need for modernization, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley criticized the rushed proposal.
Calls for Environmental Review
Quigley and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza stressed the need for a comprehensive environmental review. Amtrak aims to establish a four-story maintenance facility along a viaduct north of 35th Street, an area now occupied by Union Pacific.
Mendoza advocated for transparency, emphasizing the importance of community awareness before any decisions. She referred to prior proposals, like Reinsdorf’s 2024 plan to relocate the White Sox to The 78, which met strong opposition due to public subsidy requirements.
Ishbia’s Proposal
Ishbia introduced his vision for The Railyards, featuring a new stadium and a mixed-use area focusing on healthcare. Renderings show a potential White Sox ballpark near the Chicago River. Ishbia has invested in the planned development, with Canal Edge, his development firm, leading efforts.
The White Sox organization stated uncertainty regarding the plan’s scope prior to its announcement. They will evaluate the proposal’s feasibility before considering relocation possibilities.
Government and Community Reactions
Mayor Brandon Johnson maintained neutrality on the matter, labeling it a concept. He highlighted the importance of community involvement in economic development discussions. While discussing potential tax increments for financing, Johnson emphasized businesses’ confidence in Chicago’s growth potential.
Amtrak will receive nearly $700 million in federal funding for acquiring Union Pacific’s site, new facility development, and infrastructure enhancements. Interim Amtrak President Byl Herrmann underscored the necessity of modern facilities for improved service.
Lee highlighted a concerning federal exemption from environmental reviews granted under the Trump administration. She remarked on the lack of transparency and city engagement in the decision-making process. Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, criticized the absence of community involvement, questioning the city’s role in the federally driven effort.